The market of expensive houses in the Algarve has not cooled down, but matured. Sales in the seven months of this year have nearly doubled: €200 million against €97 million a year earlier.

Buyers have become more discerning and are willing to pay a premium for ready-to-live housing without long repairs. The average check jumped from 2.2 to 3.7 million euros. Investment is no longer for visas or tax breaks, but for real life here.

Brits sell homes in the UK and move permanently The best locations like Quinta do Lago are losing land for development. The Algarve is becoming a full-fledged community with world-class art galleries, schools and clinics.